No Need For A Temple
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Revelation 21:22-23; 22:1-7
22. And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. 23. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine upon it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. 22:1. Then he showed me the river of the water of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2. through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3. There shall no more be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and his servants shall worship him; 4. they shall see his face, and his name shall be on their foreheads. 5. And night shall be no more; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they shall reign for ever and ever. 6. And he said to me, "These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place. 7. And behold, I am coming soon." Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.
For some reason, whenever I’ve had a rough couple of days, I find myself drawn to Revelation. Perhaps I am presumptuous in my belief that I will enjoy the wonder, beauty and presence of God on the throne at the end of time! I am tremendously comforted as I read about the perfection that will be ours as believers when this present age passes away.
We will have no need for churches - God will be our church. Just think about it - we’ll be living in the continual and all-encompassing presence of God - like man was in Eden. We will no longer need to call out to God - he will be next to us and within us and all around us--everywhere we go. He will be in every breath we breathe and will be ever in our minds and our hearts. His name will be on our foreheads--we will have his divine protection forever--for all time. We will finally see the face of God! Even Moses was not allowed to see his face -- only his back!
Somehow the cares of this world just pale in comparison to the wonder and joy and beauty in which we will dwell in the new heaven and new earth. And in an odd way, I find a deeper meaning of this season. The birth of a baby--such an ordinary event. And yet, that birth marked the beginning of the end. Or the beginning of the “new beginning!” A baby. A wooden cross. A vision given a prisoner. A tree with twinkling lights, brightly colored packages. A candle burning at midnight in a church to announce the birth that changed everything!
“The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let everyone who hears say, “Come.” And let everyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift.” (Rev. 2:17) Come.
I hope today you will give over the cares and concerns of your life to the God who freely gives the water of life as a gift. And that you will find the wonder in the ordinary things of this life.
Mary
